If children with peanut allergies regularly consume small doses of nuts in a real environment, their risk of allergic reactions decreases. This is according to a new study that offers parents hopeFight against nut allergiesgives. Such a condition can lead to serious health problems.
New approach to peanut allergy
Although the risk of a fatal allergic reaction to peanuts is low, it has a major impact on quality of life. Many families feel hopeless in solving this seemingly unmanageable problem, according to the study authors. The recently published study is the first to show that a counteracting effect can be achieved by administering such an allergen in small amounts to preschool children. The treatment method known as oral immunotherapy involves gradually increasing the amount of peanuts or similar products containing nuts. A well-known treatment goal is desensitization. The child should be able to consume a full portion of peanuts without this triggering a dangerous reaction. Another goal is to protect against accidental exposure and to reduce or eliminate the need for epinephrine as an antidote. To maintain immunity, the child must continue to have theregular consumption of peanutscontinue, according to the researchers.
This study follows another analysis by the same researchers last year that demonstrated for the first time the safety of peanut oral immunotherapy for a large group of preschool-aged children. It was a routine treatment in a hospital or clinic, but not offered as part of a clinical trial. Thanks to oral immunotherapy, children can now accidentally eat something with peanut butter, such as cookies or cake, and not have a reaction. This can be a real relief for many families. According to the authorsthis studyThe earlier children undergo oral immunotherapy, the better. If left unchecked, peanut allergies are most often lifelong and reactions can become more severe, leading to social isolation, bullying, and anxiety.
